Client Queen's University Belfast
Location Belfast, UK
Value £2.1m
Deep analysis of an entire in-ground pipe system led to an unplanned phased pipe replacement programme
About the project
First commissioned to investigate the cause of multiple leaks in the district heating pipe network, IN2 undertook a thermal imaging study of the entire in-ground pipe system which revealed a further 37no. potential sections of pipework that would fail over time due to uninsulated or poorly insulated sections of pipework. IN2 commissioned a pipe corrosion specialist who concluded that the entire in-ground pipe network needed to be replaced.
IN2’s appointment consisted of Project Management, design, procurement and the installation of the district heating system replacement. IN2 also provided a resident Mechanical Engineer for the duration of the works which was a phased programme over 4 years, commencing in summer 2015 with completion in summer 2019.
For the CHP plant to integrate thermally with the boiler plant, the existing heating system had to be altered to effectively lower the system operating temperature. As well as the replacement of the defective pipe network, the initial phase of the project included the replacement of all MTHW Plate Heat Exchangers (PHE’s) with suitably rated LTHW PHE’s in 43 No. satellite plantrooms within the accommodation blocks.
Analysis was undertaken of the site’s energy consumption. This was followed by CHP optimisation analysis which determined the optimum CHP engine size.
Phase 2 consisted of the design, procurement and Project Management of a 280kWe gas fired CHP installation. Acoustics were of a concern due to the proximity of the CHP to adjacent student bedrooms. IN2’s building Physics team carried out an acoustic study and designed a bespoke acoustic CHP room incorporated acoustically treated Intake and Extract louvres to minimise any potential noise breakout from the CHP engine.
The CHP enclosure c/w roof mounted heat rejection equipment was delivered complete to the Elms Village site.
